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We Lived in the Time of Mandela

By Lara Kajs

Nelson Mandela was a rock and inspiration and he leaves behind a legacy for all humanity.

History will record that Mandela was the first black South African to become President in the first democratic election…ever. He is remembered lovingly by South Africans as the "Father of the Nation." And for the rest of us…well, we have all looked on and remembered how his life impacted our lives. Many a human rights worker has said, “I got involved because of Mandela.”

But Mandela’s greatness was not an easy path. His vigilant fight against apartheid led to a life sentence imprisonment of which he spent 27 years behind bars – 19 on Robben Island, and the rest in Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison. His eight by seven cement block cell became the chains that bound him, but he did not allow his repression to harden him. Separated from other prisoners, his only contact with the outside world was one visit and one letter every six months. For most people, getting a life sentence for trying to encourage positive change would make them very bitter, but not for Mandela. When he was released in 1990, he did not promote a sentiment of revenge, but rather offered forgiveness and reconciliation.

1994 saw the end of apartheid and the emergence of President Mandela. Over the next 19 years he became a champion for human rights. The Nelson Mandela Foundation continues to support humanitarian work on issues including poverty and HIV/AIDS.

It Is An Ideal For Which I Am Prepared To Die

Fifty years ago, at his trial, Mandela stood firm in his conviction saying, “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hoped to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” The rest of his life was a testament to his determination.

Although he had been labeled a Marxist and a terrorist, Nelson Mandela’s purpose was to help the people of South Africa and as a result, he helped the world. The 1994 Nobel Peace Prize and the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom are just two of the over 250 honors bestowed on Nelson Mandela.

After learning of his death, a senior foreign diplomat said of Nelson Mandela, “He is the hero of the planet.” Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called Mandela “a giant” and the Dean and Chapter of Westminister wrote “He was an iconic figure who changed irrevocably the course of history in his country and the African continent and who changed the world’s attitude to issues of equality and human justice.” President Barack Obama said, “We will not likely see the likes of Nelson Mandela again.”

Nelson Mandela is Celebrated on Human Rights Day

It seems so appropriate that the memorial service honoring Nelson Mandela is celebrated on Human Rights Day. The people of South Africa and around the world tuned in to watch as dignitaries from many nations paid respect to this great man.

On December 5, 2013 one of the greatest leaders, humanitarians, human rights activists – humans - died. His presence will be missed and the lives he touched by his work and his example will be forever changed. For those lucky enough to have shared the planet with Madiba…let them say…"We lived in the time of Mandela."